How Trauma-Informed Training Can Support Frontline Teams 

The prevalence of trauma is more common than we often realize, and no one is immune. Whether it stems from a single distressing event, ongoing situation or lasting effects from childhood experiences, trauma leaves lasting effects on a person’s mental and physical well-being.

Understanding trauma is essential for anyone working in human services, health care, developmental services or community care. That’s why Willowbridge Community Services (WCS) created Beneath the Surface: Understanding Trauma & Attachment, a trauma-informed training program designed to help frontline professionals better support individuals impacted by trauma.

What Is Trauma-Informed Training?

Trauma-informed training teaches staff how trauma affects the brain, body and behaviour. It helps participants recognize trauma responses, avoid re-traumatization and build safe, compassionate relationships with the people they support.

For organizations, this approach isn’t just about improving outcomes for clients—it also strengthens teams, reduces burnout and fosters a culture of empathy and dignity.

A Two-Part Learning Experience

Launched in 2025, Beneath the Surface is a two-part training led by WCS’s Counselling Services team. It includes:

1. Understanding the Implications  of Trauma and its impacts on current functioning/behaviours.
Participants explore what trauma is, how it develops, and how it shapes a person’s thoughts, behaviours, emotional regulation, and their working model of the world and relationships. The training covers the neurobiology of trauma and introduces key concepts like the Window of Tolerance and the 3Rs of regulation.

2. Real-Life Application
The second half focuses on real-world examples and practical strategies. Staff learn how to co-regulate with clients, recognize signs of dysregulation and respond in ways that build trust and emotional safety.

Delivered by Trauma-Informed Specialists

The training is developed and delivered by Vicki Hartman MA, RSW, WCS’s Manager of Counselling Services, alongside her team of registered, master’s-level psychotherapists. Their extensive background in trauma and attachment-informed care allows them to tailor the training to each organization’s needs.

“Trauma-informed care is part of our DNA here at WCS,” says Hartman. “We’ve seen firsthand how this approach transforms the way teams connect with the people they serve.”

Real Impact for Frontline Teams

After participating in the training, teams reported immediate shifts in mindset and language, such as replacing “What’s wrong with you?” with “What happened to you?” Staff also gained confidence in recognizing trauma responses and applying strategies like co-regulation and the Hand Model of the Brain with clients to help them manage distress or dysregulation.

Many were surprised to learn they already had some of the tools they needed and that the training helped them use those tools more effectively and intentionally.

Flexible, Customizable Format

Beneath the Surface is currently delivered as two 2-hour in-person sessions (with a short break), but can be adapted to suit different formats or levels of experience.

Why Trauma-Informed Training Matters

Organizations that take a trauma-informed approach are better equipped to support both their clients and staff. When frontline workers feel empowered and supported, they’re able to create more meaningful, healing connections with the people they serve.

“Anyone working in social, human, or developmental service fields—such as community-based mental health, acute care or developmental services— would benefit from this training,” says Hartman.

Equip your team with trauma-informed training

Interested in bringing Beneath the Surface: Understanding Trauma & Attachment to your organization? Willowbridge Community Services is proud to offer trauma-informed training that empowers frontline teams and fosters safer, more supportive communities.

To learn more or book a session, contact Vicki Hartman at [email protected].